MV Giamani Schedule with Prices & Itinerary

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It is finally possible to explore and dive the waters surrounding the chain of island known as the "Mergui" in Myanmar (Burma).

In this part of the Indian Ocean, along the Burman coast, and east of the Andaman Islands, there are approximately 800 islands that spread out over 16,000 sq. km. and are named after the ancient port "Mergui", important in the 17 th century for merchant shipping between the Gulf of Siam and India, the Middle East and Europe.

For more then fifty years these islands were closed to tourism, and even until now very little underwater diving was allowed.

Departing from Phuket, the Giamani brings you to these once pirate-infested islands. Only a small group of private boats have been given a special permit by the Burmese government to visit these savage and uncontaminated areas, and the Gianami is one of these.

"Twin Island" is a submerged pinnacle made up of Western Rocky, Northern Rocky, Black Rock: names of locations which will help you remember the fantastic dives you'll have made. Images of grey sharks, white fins, silver tips and the unforgettable hammer-heads, as well as other varied marine life will tantalise your memories once having explored these coral-filled waters.

If water conditions permit, the Giamani will sail to the famous "Burma Banks". Though not a part of the Burmese territorial waters, the Burma Banks lie 130 nautical miles northwest of Phuket and are like underwater mountains to rise out of nowhere. They are 300 metres below sea level, and from the water's surface, can reach anywhere from 15-24 metres in height.

Although lacking the incredible variety of colour and coral-filled reefs of other dives in the Andaman Sea, the Burma Banks offer the best chance to see big pelagics and most of all a number of different shark species.

This cruise also includes dives off the Similan islands.

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The nine Similan islands, about 60 nautical miles northwest of Phuket, are considered one of the top ten best dives in the world. This arcipelago (a national park since 1985) offers divers some of the most fantastic occasions for underwater photography.

Breathtaking above and below water, these islands bewitch divers so much they are inspired to return.

In these warm (28-31°centigrade) and clear waters (visibility 25-40 metres), you will be fascinated by huge blocks of granite covered with soft coral (Elephant Head). You will enter canyons, caves, and swim under arches (at Fantasy Reef and Shark Fin Reef). You will pass by long stretches of hard coral, gorgonia, funnel-shaped sponges, and schools of colourful fish.

Bordering the Similan waters you will be amazed at the contrast of the slabs of grey-coloured granite and the white sandy beaches that outline the lush tropical forests.

The residents of these islands (apart from the Rangers who take care of the grounds) consist of the following: fish-eating eagles, monkeys that feast on crabmeat, squirrels, bats, sloths, varans, the famous and almost extinct Andaman pigeon that is unable to fly.

Along the route to Surin, you come upon two islands offering some beautiful dives. Ko Born is frequented mostly by giant manta rays. Ko Tachai is an unusual rocky crest (also known as "Twin Peaks") which is positioned transversally against the current. It offers you the chance to encounter the giant and innocuous whale shark along with schools of pelagic fish. Besides diving, it is possible to visit the nomadic Moken tribe, which like other "Chao Leh" tribes, still practice their ancient rituals, handed down from their ancestors.

The two major islands that make up the vast island chain of Surin are full of rich tropical fauna that blend with the impenetrable rain forest. Indigenous to the rain forests are pythons and other species of snakes, flying lemurs and the very small rare deer mouse, wild boars as well as the animals that populate the Similan islands.

At Rock Richelieu, a pinnacle that rises above the water's surface, about 8 n.m. from Surin Nua, you will be able to admire an infinite number of different species. Although small, it is a real paradise for photographers. It also offers the possibility to encounter the giant and timid whale shark.

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From the bay of Chalong (Phuket) you leave for the famous Phi Phi island, different from the others in that it is filled with tourists.

After the major dives in the surrounding waters of Phi Phi, we proceed for the more adventurous banks of Hin Bida, for fantastic islands with steep and rugged cliffs (Ko Ha), and for unforgettable lagoons (Maya Bay), used in numerous films and commercials.

Further south, we arrive at the mythical islands of Ko Rok Nok and Ko Rok Nai, where the nomadic tribes of "Chao Leh" carry out their particular rituals of fertility. These two islands serve as a base which lead to the fabulous (partially submerged) pinnacle of Hin Daeng and the banks of Hin Muang. These two dives alone can make the cruise worthwhile.

Enormous masses of earth covered with sea anemones, actinia, narrow passageways and vertical drops reaching up to 50 m. in depth. Here you can see a variety of pelagic fish and young whale sharks. In fact, for this reason, Hin Daeng is considered a kind of nursery for these peaceful giants. Leopard sharks and grey sharks move leisurely around the banks.

Going northwards before re entering Phuket we will stop at Ko Raja.

And in case you would like to extend your cruise (one more week) continuing the route for Similan and Surin, we will also stop for the last dive at Shark Point (Hin Mousang).

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